Identification of potential disasters
One of the key preparations for disaster is identifying potential causes for disaster in your community. The second step is preparing two plans, one that may reduce the risk of the disaster and one to respond to each potential disaster. This checklist is to get you started at identification and planning.
Place a check mark next to the box if you believe there is a potential for this to happen in your community.
Natural Disasters
- Flood
- Tornado
- Earthquake
- Extreme heat
- Extreme cold -- ice and snow storms
- Forest and woodland fires
- House and building fires
- Thunder storms/lightning
- Fire safety during and after disaster
- Hazardous materials
- Railroad accidents
- Highway and trucking accidents
- Airplane disasters
- Radiological accidents
- Nuclear power plant emergency
- Community violence
- Racial and ethnic conflict
- Terrorism
- Call your local Emergency Management Office or the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
-- Ask how to prepare for each disaster you have identified
-- Ask how you would be warned of an emergency
-- Learn your communityˇ¦s evacuation routes
-- Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled persons
-- Ask your workplace about emergency plans
-- Learn about emergency plans for your childrenˇ¦s school and day care center
Identify other congregations in your area with disaster preparedness plans
- Identify congregational disaster coordinator/contact person and provide contact information to district or synod office
- Identify the district/synod disaster contact person and have their number readily available
- How do you evacuate in each disaster?
- What are special precautions you should take?
- What are the safe spots in your church facilities?
- Have evacuation plans posted in every room
- Post emergency numbers near each telephone
- Do you have working smoke/fire alarms and extinguishers?
- Do you have quick access to emergency power?
- How do you contact each member to determine if they are affected by the disaster?
- What preparation should be completed for members with special needs (i.e. mobility, disability, etc.)?
- What resources (membersˇ¦ time, talents and funds) can be called on during the disaster?
- Is this congregation serving as a local disaster center? Yes or No (If yes -- or if interested in doing so, notify your synod or district office)
- Have you formed a written disaster plan with your congregation? Yes or No
- Complete the congregational "Resource Inventory."
